Cuba entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Spanish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. Approval takes 2–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal linked below. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until you have the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Spanish passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip. Cuba does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines sometimes check for it — renew if your passport expires within 3 months of travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration officers at Havana Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before letting you through. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or casa booking | Carry a printed booking confirmation for your hotel or casa particular. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough to cover your trip. There is no fixed minimum, but around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa processing time is 2–5 business days with no expedited option. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least a week before your flight.
Keep a printed backup of your eVisa
While digital copies are accepted, phone batteries die and screens break. Print a copy and keep it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (search 'Cuba eVisa' or check your airline's guidance). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a digital photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrival at Havana José Martí International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Extranjería'. Join the queue for foreign visitors. Present your passport and eVisa (printed or on phone). The officer will stamp your passport. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
4
Exit immigration and customs
After collecting your luggage, go through customs. You may be asked to declare goods. Keep your passport and eVisa handy until you're outside the arrivals hall.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€30 EUR (~$33 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; no multiple entry option.
Long-stay visa (business/cultural)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 EUR (~$66 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity; limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry fee (eVisa)Mandatory eVisa fee for Spanish passport holders. | €30 EUR (~$33 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; single entry only. | €30 EUR (~$33 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Cuba does not offer multiple-entry tourist visas for Spanish passport holders. | Not available |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not allowed for eVisa holders; this is for reference only. | €25 EUR (~$27 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 EUR (~$220 USD). | €10 EUR (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cuba
No transit visa needed
Spanish passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 90 days.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV) · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) · Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU)
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Havana
Dirección de Inmigración y Extranjería
Calle 22 No. 105, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, eVisa printout, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero, Matanzas
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for ES travellers
Country basics
CapitalHavana
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyCuban Peso (CUP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 24 CUP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTwo flat parallel pins (Type A) or two flat pins with a round grounding pin (Type B), same as US/Canada.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is not specified in the database. Check the official eVisa website or your airline for the current price. Expect it to be around €20–€50.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you would need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Transit rules are not covered in the database. Contact your airline or the Cuban embassy to confirm. In general, if you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you may not need a visa, but always verify.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Cuba.
Yes, most airlines and immigration officers accept a digital copy (PDF or screenshot) on your phone. However, having a printed backup is safer in case your phone battery dies.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Cuba is sufficient. It proves you will leave Cuba within the allowed stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.